Teignmouth Electron deals with the tragic and extraordinary story of the amateur yachtsman, Donald Crowhurst; a story which has preoccupied Tacita Dean for several years. Crowhurst filed false reports of his progress and position in the 1968 single-handed non-stop around the world yacht race. He became obsessed with time and two weeks before he was due home to a hero’s welcome, his yacht, Teignmouth Electron was found adrift and empty.

Today his boat lies beached and abandoned at its final resting place, Cayman Brac, an island in the Caribbean. Tacita Dean has visited the island in an attempt to piece together the story of Crowhurst; she also studied books, articles, films and recorded testimonies from people who knew him. The result is a loosely woven narrative of striking texts and images that trace the Donald Crowhurst story and Tacita Dean’s quest to understand more.

Published by Book Works in association with Steidl. A special hardback edition with photographic print is also available.